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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to study abroad?
Is it expensive to study abroad?
Will I be accepted to study abroad?
Does financial aid apply while studying abroad?
Can students work while abroad?
Do credits earned abroad transfer back to TCNJ and are students able to graduate on time?
How is my transcript from the host institution evaluated?
When should students study abroad and are there academic eligibility requirements?
Do students have to speak a foreign language to study abroad?
How long can students study abroad?
Where do students live while abroad?
Can I do an internship abroad?
Can I go on a program that is not listed on TCNJ’s website?
What happens if I need to withdraw from my program after I have been accepted or enrolled?
A: While TCNJ cannot guarantee the safety of students, TCNJ carefully reviews all program locations for health, safety, and emergency management procedures.
Students can review safety issues and emergency information by clicking on this link:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1180.html.
Country-specific safety information can be found here:
http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html
http://www.state.gov/www/background_notes/index.html
Health information pertaining to specific countries, including which vaccines are needed can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/.
Q:Is it expensive to study abroad?
A: The cost of tuition, room and board for many study abroad programs is not any higher than the cost of studying at TCNJ. Some students participate in direct exchanges with host universities abroad. The exchange means that foreign students are able to study at TCNJ. The amount of personal money students spend will depend on their travel and spending habits. The cost of living in a city can vary greatly. Some of the most expensive cities are London, Tokyo, Copenhagen, Paris and Rome. Some of the least expensive places to live include Thailand, Mexico, and Ghana for instance.
Once the student has narrowed down his or her study abroad options to a few programs, please visit International and Off-Campus Programs in Green Hall 111 and ask for a detailed cost sheet for those programs.
How does the cost of where you are compare to where you want to go?
Use the resources below:
World Cost of Living Survey 2007
Q:Will I be accepted to study abroad?
A: The application procedure to study abroad at TCNJ is a two step process. Students must first be accepted by TCNJ to study abroad. TCNJ considers academic eiligibility, maturity, overall health, and appropriateness of the selected program for each student. Once accepted by TCNJ, TCNJ submits the student's application to the appropriate program provider on behalf of the student. Students must then be accepted by their respective program provider. After being accepted by TCNJ, students typically do not have difficulty being accepted into their first choice program. Occasionally, a student will need to consider an alternative program location due to logistical concerns or program demand, however, this is not typical.
Q:Does financial aid apply while studying abroad?
A: In general, financial aid, up to the cost of in-state attendance at TCNJ can be applied to studying abroad. Some scholarships and other forms of aid do have restrictions on applying those funds to studying abroad. Work study is not available abroad. Students often consider taking out a student loan to cover additional expenses such as air fare and spending money. Advisors in the Office of Student Financial Assistance are available to assist students and their families in considering their financial aid options.
TCNJ payment plans cannot be used during the study abroad semester.
Come to Green Hall 111 to pick up a cost sheet for your program and visit the financial aid section of this website
To contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance in Green Hall, Room 101, send an email to osfa@tcnj.edu, or call 609.771.2211
Q:Can students work while abroad?
A: It is usually not possible to work while in a foreign country while on a student visa. Select programs do offer internship opportunities but these are almost always un-paid. Early planning will encourage students and their families to save money for expenses abroad.
Q:Do credits earned abroad transfer back to TCNJ and are students able to graduate on time?
A: Yes! Students receive TCNJ credit for all approved courses with passing grades of C or above. Credits earned abroad transfer and count toward graduation. Grades earned abroad are not factored into a student’s GPA. This assures that student's GPAs will not drop while students are studying at foreign institutions. Students are urged to talk to their academic advisors as early as possible to outline how study abroad will fit into their plan of study.
Q: How is my transcript from the host institution evaluated?
A: While the student is abroad their account will reflect 12 credits to maintain their full-time status at TCNJ. Once the transcript from the host institution has been received by Records and Registration it is evaluated and courses and credits are adjusted on the TCNJ transcript.
Q:When should students study abroad and are there academic eligibility requirements?
A: Students are eligible to study abroad after completing their first year. TCNJ summer programs are open to students the summer after their freshman year. Students are eligible to study abroad if they maintain a GPA of 2.5, are in good academic standing, and have favorable references. Students with a lower GPA will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Some programs have higher GPA requirements set by the specific program provider. Be sure to carefully review the information provided for the particular program to be informed of the GPA requirements. If you are unsure, consult with a study abroad counselor in the International and Off-Campus Programs office in Green Hall 111 in person or send an email to goglobal@tcnj.edu.
Q:Do students have to speak a foreign language to study abroad?
A: If a student is studying a language at TCNJ, studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to improve and strengthen language skills. However, an in-ability to speak another language should not discourage a student from studying abroad. There are many programs in English speaking countries and many programs taught in English in non– English speaking countries. In some cases, students may be required to take an introductory class in the native language of the country where they are studying.
Q:How long can students study abroad?
A: There are many different program lengths available, ranging from several weeks, to the entire academic year. Students should choose the duration that best fits their plan of study. Students can study for a maximum of two semesters.
Q:Where do students live while abroad?
A: Housing options vary by program and include campus dormitories, shared apartments, home stays with host families, and independent housing options. Review the information for your particular program to see which options are available to you.
Q:Can I do an internship abroad?
A: CIEE offers many different internship opportunities abroad http://ciee.org/study/internships_abroad.aspx . Consult with your academic advisor to discuss how an internship abroad will fit into your plan of study.
Q: Can I go on a program that is not listed on TCNJ’s website?
A: TCNJ faculty have carefully reviewed and selected programs in over 80 cities around the world that meet the academic standards that TCNJ requires, and that uphold a commitment to health and safety. For those reasons TCNJ expects that all students will be able to select from the list of approved programs, one study abroad program that meets their academic needs and interests.
A student may petition to go on a non-approved program through another university, if the student can provide a compelling academic reason why the non-approved program of their choosing is more suitable to their plan of study than any other program TCNJ already offers. The student must obtain sponsorship from a faculty member in order to pursue requesting approval for the new program.
TCNJ will review the newly requested program to ensure it offers a safe environment with the promised services at an appropriate cost and that the program is offered by another accredited university. If it is the case that the academic and logistical aspects of the program are not satisfactory, the student will not be granted approval to study abroad with that program.
Due to the time that is necessary to investigate a program, students must petition for a non-approved program six months prior to the TCNJ study abroad application deadline of the semester they wish to study abroad.
If after serious consideration you believe you may have met the requirements for petitioning please contact the office of International and Office Campus programs for more information.
Q: What happens if I need to withdraw from my program after I have been accepted or enrolled?
A: You should notify your program provider (ie: CIEE, ISA) immediately. You must then notify The Office of International and Off Campus Programs. The refund you are entitled to will be determined by the established procedures of your program provider.
